190. High Functioning, Low Functioning: What Do They Really Mean?

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast,
Shannon talks about a topic that is often confusing and sometimes
problematic, labels of "high functioning" and "low functioning"
autism. She explains why these terms can be misleading and shares
practical strategies for parents to support their children
regardless of these labels.


Shannon begins by encouraging parents of young children showing
developmental delays to seek support immediately, without waiting
for a formal diagnosis. She emphasizes that the label "autism"
alone doesn't provide a complete picture of a child's abilities
or challenges.


The episode highlights common scenarios, such as the variability
in functioning labels among school-aged children and the
misunderstandings that can arise from them. Shannon shares
stories of children who are labeled "high functioning" yet face
severe autistic traits and those labeled "low functioning" who
possess remarkable cognitive abilities once given the right
communication tools.


Listeners are reminded of the importance of assuming competence
in their children and focusing on their unique needs and
strengths. Shannon also discusses the daily variability in autism
and provides strategies for managing these fluctuations.


Tune in for an insightful discussion that challenges common
misconceptions about autism and offers practical advice for
supporting your child's growth and development. Whether your
child is labeled "high functioning" or "low functioning," this
episode will inspire you to see beyond the labels and believe in
your child's potential.


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for other parents to find inspiration and connection. 


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Additional Resources:


⁠40. The Impact of Mind Blindness⁠ 


⁠109. Why Waiting is So Difficult⁠ 


If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about
on the podcast, email us directly
at ⁠info@notyouraverageautismmom.com⁠⁠ ⁠ 


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